Enchanted Ecosystem

Calgary AB, Canada, 2023

Wetlands are some of the most complex environments on earth. They are a crucial part of improving water supply quality, housing wildlife, and reducing the effects of both droughts and floods. These ecosystems store runoff water and slowly release it. As water passes through, impurities and toxins are filtered out primarily by cattails. Biodiversity is critical for wetland ecosystems to thrive. Native species included in the mural are common cattail, cow lily (yellow pond lily), mare’s tail, fragrant water lily, sweet flag, great pond snail, forktail damselfly and nymph, whirligig beetle, eastern pondhawk (dragonfly), painted turtle, and the northern leopard frog and tadpoles. There are also a handful of minnows which represent many different species. Wetlands cover close to 21% of our province, which is decreasing due to human development. We need to recognize the environmental and economic importance of these ecosystems and keep them protected.

Commissioned by Westside Recreation Centre to paint 6 walls in their aquatic centre.

Westside is pleased to recommend Jessica as a mural artist. She completed a beautiful set of murals in our aquatic area and worked diligently to install an amazing artwork in a challenging environment under significant time pressure. Jessica was a professional from start to finish, from her project proposal that included local wetlands plants and animals, to identifying the right products to use in a warm, humid aquatic space, to finishing on time and ready for our pool reopening. We are so happy with the completed mural – it has refreshed the entire look of our space! We hope to utilize Jessica again in the future. – Kim R., Communications Manager